03/29/2013 9:44 am
Give me a high five, cuz I just threw my son the most awesome birthday party and it was the easiest party I’ve ever organized, and trust me, that’s a huge deal for a divorced mom of two. Here’s how I did it: I called Game Truck and gave my son his very first man cave experience.
Guess I didn’t need the balloons to let people find the party.
If you’re not familiar with Game Truck, here’s the scoop: it’s a complete multi-player video game party in a tricked out rig, which drives directly to your home for an amazing group video gaming experience. Each truck is filled with multiple flat screens, leather couches, Wii, Xbox 360 and Play Station 3 consoles, and all of the latest and greatest multi-player games your kids could possibly want to play. It’s darkened so the screens are bright and decorated with rope light trim on the ceiling. Sweet set up.
The boys went nuts as the truck drove up. They knew an epic party was about to begin! Before the guys were let loose, our GT coach, Zack, met with me solo to review the inventory so I could customize which games would be displayed for the boys to play. I eliminated all of the first person shooter and Mature-Rated games, which left tons of age appropriate choices for the kids, ages from 9-11.
The boys were in kid heaven playing Minecraft, Mario Bros, NBA, Burnout Paradise Racing in their very own VIP video game clubhouse. Coach Zach was kept busy switching out games, setting controllers and giving out gaming advice. Personally, I’d like to adopt Zach. He was polite, friendly, helpful and tactful when several neighborhood party crashers had to check out the scene. Sure, I let the crashers check it out. How could I not? The Most Awesome Thing was in the neighborhood! By the way, Zach and all Game Truck coaches are background checked for a safe party experience, which made it easier for me to sneak away now and then to get the food ready. The boys played to their hearts’ content for two hours while I peacefully organized some healthy snacks, along with the obligatory nachos, ordered pizza and put candles on the cake.
It was a breeze ordering the game truck. One easy phone call with the party date, number of kids and how many hours I wanted to rent was all it took. Coach Zach finalized the invoice with an iPhone and a swipe of my Visa. An electronic invoice was emailed to me within minutes. Sweet paperless shopping.
Game Truck Party OC is offering a $20 discount for OC Family readers!
Just mention OC Family for the discount and get ready to enjoy the easiest birthday party ever. Sweeeet Deal.
Terry Winkler is the founder of Enter Stage Write, an Orange County theater, entertainment and lifestyle website.
02/01/2013 6:14 am
One of my favorite Orange County theaters, South Coast Rep, has a fantastic Theater for Young Audiences program, that continually hits the mark with productions designed especially for children and their families. If you were delighted by last season’s performance of Junie B in Jingle Bells – Batman Smells, then your family will enjoy South Coast Repertory’s Theatre for Young Audiences performance of Anastasia Krupnik February 8th-24th.
SCR is partnering with Drama Momma to giveaway a family four-pack of tickets!
Ten-year-old Anastasia is opinionated, sassy and funny. Really funny. Of course, she also has a funny name, but she’ll make up for it in this offbeat story taken right from the pages of her diary. It’s about all the things she loves—and hates—and what she plans to do about them. This memorable story from the Newbery Medal-winning author of The Giver is a wonderful portrait of childhood and family life, complete with all its ups and downs.
WIN Tickets!
To win a family four pack to the Sunday, Feb 17th 4:30pm performance of South Coast Rep’s Anastasia Krupnik, all you have to do is enter a comment below sharing a childhood memory of a trip to the theater. Contest ends Wednesday, Feb 13 at 9pm. Please make sure you can attend the performance date and time before entering. Good luck!!
Discount Code!
SCR is also offering Drama Momma readers budget-friendly ticket pricing: $18 adult & child tickets to Anastasia Krupnik choose from these performances:
Friday, Feb. 15, at 7pm
Saturday, Feb. 16, at 2pm or 4:30pm
Friday, Feb. 22 at 7pm.
Saturday Feb. 23 at 11am or 2pm
Offer details: Use Code 7992 when ordering online at www.scr.org, by phone at (714) 708-5555 or in person at the Box Office. Limit six tickets per household. Offer applies to seats in section A only. Special offer not applicable to previously purchased tickets and cannot be combined with other offers. Online ordering tip: Enter code and click “apply” before choosing seats.
Now, go enjoy some great live theater with your kids!
Terry Winkler is the founder of Enter Stage Write, an Orange County theater, entertainment and lifestyle website.
This contest is now closed.
WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!
Congratulations, Carolyn. Your name was picked by a random number generator.
Please check your email for instructions.
12/20/2012 7:59 am
This morning of December 20th at 8:00am pacific 11:00am eastern my friend from college, David Wheeler, and his family will lay their 6 year old son, Benjamin, to rest in Newtown, CT.
We gather and mourn his loss, pray for his family as well as the other families who have lost their loved ones at Sandy Hook Elementary. May God please provide solace in their time of great need. Please protect our children, our families, and let them know how much we love them.
Hold them in your heart.
The following is a message from Ben’s father, David Wheeler:
Please make the space in your life to listen to this [song]. Listen deeply. As we begin the process of memorializing our children, faculty and staff in Sandy Hook and Newtown, we are grateful to be assisted by the significant talent of Jason Robert Brown. Thank you so very much, Jason.
Twenty Six Names by Jason Robert Brown
Benjamin was born in New York City on September 12, 2006, a son of David Cole and Francine (Lobis) Wheeler.
Ben was an irrepressibly bright and spirited boy whose love of fun and excitement at the wonders of life and the world could rarely be contained. His rush to experience life was headlong, creative and immediate. He was a devoted fan of his older brother, Nate, and the two of them together filled the house with the noise of four children. He loved the local soccer program, often running across the field long after it was actually necessary, but always smiling and laughing as he moved the ball nearly always at full tilt. He was becoming a strong swimmer and loved his lessons. Eager to learn, he couldn’t wait to get to school to see his teacher and his growing group of new first grade friends. Ben was also a member of Tiger Scout Den 6 which met at the Sandy Hook Volunteer Firehouse. Earlier in December, Ben performed at his piano recital and sitting still long enough to play one piece was an accomplishment he reveled in. He loved The Beatles, lighthouses, and the number 7 train to Sunnyside, Queens. In a conversation with Francine before school on Friday, he said, “I still want to be an architect, but I also want to be a paleontologist, because that’s what Nate is going to be and I want to do everything Nate does.”
He will be sadly missed by his loving parents, David and Francine Wheeler; his brother Nate; his grandparents Carmen and Annette Lobis of Garnet Valley, PA, Ellsworth and Kay Wheeler of Charleston, SC, and Harry Berquist of Newport News, VA; great grandmother Sophia Turchi of Broomall, PA; Aunts and Uncles Michael and Sheila Lobis of PA, Anthony and Colleen Lobis of PA, Steven and Ann Lobis of PA, Jeffrey and Dawn Wheeler of WA, and Andrew and Jamie Wheeler of HI; great aunts and uncles James and Nancy Cole of VA, Robert Lobis of CO, Michael Lobis of PA, and Marianne Stewart of PA, Marie Turchi of PA;and numerous cousins and friends. He was predeceased by grandmother Ann Cole Berquist. It is suggested that contributions in Benjamin’s memory be made to the Benjamin Wheeler Fund. The family will receive visitors at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main St., Newtown on Wednesday, December 19th from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. The funeral will be held at the church on Thursday, December 20th at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private.
12/08/2012 7:41 am
Kids and teens can get in FREE on December 18 and 19 to see the Broadway national touring production of The Addams Family. This is a great BOGO deal for families whose pennies are being pinched this holiday season. Buy a full priced adult ticket and your child (6-18) will get a free ticket! How great is that?
Segerstrom Center in partnership with The Broadway League, the national trade, association of the Broadway industry, welcomes the next generation of theater-goers by presenting KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY (KNOB) during two performances of THE ADDAMS FAMILY. KNOB is an audience development initiative that involves both touring shows and NYC productions to introduce young people to the magic of live theatre and make Broadway accessible to all families.
For each full-priced adult ticket purchased, a child’s admission will be free. This offer is valid for young people ages 6 – 18 during the December 18 – 19 performances of THE ADDAMS FAMILY. The promo code is: KIDS. Tickets start at $20.
The national tour of the new musical THE ADDAMS FAMILY, based on the bizarre and beloved family of characters created by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams, will make its Orange County premiere on December 18 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts and run through December 30.
Kids on Broadway Promotion will be available for performances on Tuesday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m. Special pre-show activities and fun games take place from 6 – 7 p.m. at Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Tickets are available online at SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa or by calling (714) 556-2787.
11/09/2012 6:39 am
Are you ready to get into the holiday spirit? Then grab your kids, put on your jingle bells and head over to CAT for some good, old fashioned family fun. This talented and enthusiastic children’s theater group will certainly put a smile on your face and warm your heart as you get ready for the holiday season.
CHRISTIAN ARTS AND THEATER
Presents the beloved holiday classic
A white-bearded gentleman claiming to be the real Santa Claus brings about a genuine Miracle on 34th Street, spreading a wave of love throughout New York City, fostering camaraderie between Macy’s and Gimbel’s Department Stores, and convincing a divorced, cynical single mother, her somber daughter and the entire state of New York that Santa Claus is no myth.
A cast of 55 will bring this well- loved family story to life, just in time to launch the Holiday Season. Grace Barnett, age 11, plays the somber, imagination-starved daughter, “Susan Walker”. Michael Walton, age 17, is attorney “Fred Gailey”, the Walker’s neighbor, who sets out to teach both mother and daughter that life is better with love and miracles. Playing “Kris Kringle”, the kindly gentleman who just MIGHT be the real Santa is 17 year old Caleb Price.
With dancing reindeer, Toy Soldiers and Santa’s elves, children will be thrilled with this magical live theater experience. Adults will love the wonderful story of love and trust. Everyone will enjoy this great family show!
Directed by Award-winning Artistic team: Director, Daniel Monroe with choreography by Hollee (Hennebelle) Cool and vocal direction by Brianna Lopez.
Show dates and times
Friday, November 9th at 7:00pm
Saturday, November 10th at 2:00pm Matinee and 7:00pm
Sunday, November 11th at 2:00pm
All performances at the Corona Civic Theater: 815 W. 6th Street, Corona, CA 92882
Tickets can be purchased on-line or by calling the CAT Box Office: 951-279-2298. Pre-sale and on-line tickets: $12 for Children, Students and Seniors; $14 for Adults; $55 for Family of five. Group tickets available. All tickets $2 more at the door.
07/20/2012 9:47 pm
It has been 30 years since my last acting class. Decades ago I was moving up in the acting community, but when kids came into the picture my priorities changed. Over the years I’ve been asked to perform, but as a divorced mom it didn’t feel right to take that much time away from my young family. Now, while I still feel family comes first, there comes a time when a parent must take care of themselves in order to be the best parent possible….kind of like putting the oxygen mask on first, then helping your child. Lately I’ve been feeling like it’s time to put on my own oxygen mask and do a little something that’ll make me a happier, more fulfilled person, and ultimately a better parent. So for one night a week I’ve decided to return to the acting classroom and immerse myself in the art of Advanced Scene Study at South Coast Repertory, where there’s a treasure trove of theater classes for children and adults right at our finger tips.
Scene One
I walked into the classroom across the wooden floor and took a seat. In college I’d sit up front – eager and wide eyed, anticipating the chance to jump up and show off participate. Now I sit in the back, observing the chemistry of the room. Filled with students of all ages, they talk with their assigned scene partners as class gets ready to start. I joined the 8 week class a week late, so some are ready to go up and start working.
The thing about a good acting class is even if you’re not on stage you’re still actively learning by observing what’s happening on stage and listening to the advice of the instructor. Taught by Matthew Arkin, who instructs using the principals he learned from theater legend Uta Hagen at the HB Studio in New York, the eight week program is designed to help the student let go of acting habits and start fresh, considering other choices. The first rule of fight club acting class is to not jump in all gung-ho like Walker, Texas Ranger, making big choices right off the bat. The first exercise is to read the script. Just that. The playwright chose those words, agonized over those words, revising and improving them for the perfect effect. The actor’s job is to bring those words to life.
Just sitting and observing the first class was a powerful evening. Watching fellow actors create and a passionate teacher guide was a motivating experience and I knew I’d get a workout when my scene went up.
While preparing the scene the actor’s goal is to let go of pretending to be somebody else. Don’t show the acting. Just say the words – be the character, alive in that moment. It’s hard, but revealing that life on stage is the ultimate experience.
Let me tell you, this is not an easy task. I was assigned a scene from the play Two Rooms by Lee Bessing. The story of a man kidnapped in Beirut and his wife who holds vigil back home. I was cast as the government official who tries to convince the wife to keep quiet about her husband’s kidnapping. At times I felt I was able to let go and allow the character to be revealed. Other times I caught myself falling back on old habits. Arkin encouraged us to settle in and allow the spoken words to reveal the character. When I succeed, the scene was much more powerful. Looking back, I can see where my best portrayal happened in the hallway during a final rehearsal rather than in front of the class. I was relaxed and focused.
I will use this new found insight as I start working on my second scene. Lesson learned.
Coming soon….(Advanced Scene Study, Scene Two)
For more information or to enroll in classes at SCR, please call at 714-708-5577
Photo credit South Coast Repertory
Adult Acting Classes
Fundamentals of Acting: Act I Basic Skills
Mondays, 7 – 10pm, September 17 – November 5, 2012
Tuesdays, 7-10pm, September 18 – November 6, 2012
Fundamentals of Acting: Act II Scene Study
Tuesdays, 7 – 10pm, September 18 – November 6, 2012
Fundamentals of Acting: Act III Advanced Scene Study
Tuesdays, 7-10pm, September 18 – November 6, 2012
Actors Workshop
Mondays, 7-10pm, September 17 – November 5, 2012
Improvisation I
Tuesdays, 7-10pm, September 18 – November 6, 2012
Advanced Improvisation
Wednesdays, 7-10pm, September 19 – November 7, 2012
Musical Theatre
Mondays, 7-10pm, September 17 – November 5, 2012.
Children’s Acting Classes:
Session One
Monday, July 30, to Saturday, August 11, 2012
9am – 12pm or 1pm – 4pm
(5-6 grade from 1-4pm in Session I is full)
Session Two
Monday, August 13, to Saturday, August 25, 2012
9am – 12pm or 1pm – 4pm
06/21/2012 9:57 pm
Les Miserables Completes Me
It is a rare event for me to be truly excited when a show hits OC. The 25th Anniversary Production of Les Misérables is one such event, as I wanted to share my all time favorite show with my son, Alex. I wasn’t too sure if a 10 year old boy could appreciate the complex themes of the musical based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, so I gave my son a brief explanation of the epic tale. Les Mis follows ex-convict Jean Valjean (exquisitely performed by Peter Lockyer) as he struggles to find redemption amongst the oppressed poor in the chaotic society of revolutionary France in the early 1800’s. Full of romance, passion, suspense and humanity, it is the story of the fugitive Valjean who is pitted against the self-righteous police officer, Javert (masterfully portrayed by Andrew Varela) in a 30 year struggle to avoid capture.
Turns out this was the perfect show to help Alex begin to understand how complicated, unfair, yet poignantly beautiful the world can be. He asked thoughtful questions about how could a man be imprisoned for so many years just for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s family, why were the students upset enough to go to war, and why was the policeman so obsessed with finding Valjean.
One theme I wanted to impress on my young son was how Jean Valjean, a desperate and bitter convict after suffering years prison brutality, is given the opportunity to turn his life around by the victim of his thievery. The Bishop of Digne’s pivotal act of forgiveness inspired Valjean to repent and become a man with great compassion and integrity.
But remember this, my brother
See in this some higher plan.
You must use this precious silver
To become an honest man.
By the witness of the martyrs
By the Passion and the Blood
God has raised you out of darkness
I have bought your soul for God!
The score of Les Misérables, a masterpiece of theatrical music from French composer, Claude-Michel Schonberg, literally started with a bang and powerful orchestral phrasing to set the tone of the drama to come. For anyone who, like me, grew up attending performances or playing cast recordings repeatedly, the familiar melodies of “I Dreamed a Dream”, “Bring Him Home” and “In My Life” filled the theater like fond memories of loved ones.
This updated production, directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell, has new twists, orchestrations and video projections depicting the sewers of France and other key scenes. The set design by Matt Kinley, inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, dispensed with the large revolving set, which leaves center stage a wide expanse, sometimes under-utilized. The barricade is as impressive as it is versatile, neatly splitting in two and rolled into the wings during lightning fast scene changes.
The lighting design by Paule Constable succeeds in creating breathtaking tableaus worthy of museum oil paintings, but sorely misses the mark in lighting the downstage during the most dramatic and intimate moments.
Varela’s mesmerizing performance dominates this production, bringing Javert out of the one dimensional obsessed villain stereotype to a complex character where one can actually empathize with his fierce determination. Lockyer’s Valjean grew on me greatly as his character’s journey deepened, and his soliloquy “Bring Him Home” was heaven to hear.
Betsy Morgan’s Fantine was exquisite – powerful, poignant, classically tragic. Max Quinlan sang beautifully as Marius, but seemed to lack the youthful idealism so essential to his being.
Playing bittersweet Eponine, who loves Marius in vain, Chasten Harman, unnecessarily peppers the sorrowful lament “On My Own” with jazzy riffs more appropriate on American Idol than the American stage; however her portrayal of Eponine was touchingly tragic.
The ensemble of ardent students turned revolutionaries, workhouse and street women were all impeccable, giving this classic tale of impoverished French society the beautiful and sordid layers it deserves. This is a richly emotional show filled with anthems, rousing marches, tender love songs and sad laments that will leave you emotionally replete. This is theater at its best.
LES MISERABLES
Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall
June 12 – 24
Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall
600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
In person – The Box Office
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
Online – SCFTA.org
Phone – (714) 556-2787
Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
06/10/2012 8:11 pm
American Idiot at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a no brainer when it comes to heart pounding, floor stomping entertainment.
Back in 2004 I was going through some rough times. I coped by grasping onto the loud lament of Green Day’s American Idiot CD. Not necessarily music of my generation, but the defiant lyrics became my secret anthem. I’d play “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and “Wake Me Up When September Ends” over and over, letting the aloneness wash over me. It helped to know someone else had felt such solitary sadness other than me.
Director Michael Mayer and Billie Joe Armstrong, Green Day’s lead guitarist and vocalist, fashioned a 90-minute rock opera entitled American Idiot for the generation that came of age after Sept. 11. American Idiot’s 13 tracks come alive more as a raw and energetic live music video than traditional musical theater. Featuring the hits “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “Holiday” and the blockbuster title track, American Idiot is a hot ticket for anyone who loves Green Day.
Having received both raves and rants from critics over the years, American Idiot is best enjoyed by letting go of any expectations. AI refuses to be traditional, so audience members need to stop being “theater goers” and just let the music and performances wash over them as a sensory high and bask in the sheer ferocity of the music video genre brought to life.
The story centers on three young friends who journey from suburban slackerism to adult misery. Johnny (Van Huges) heads to the city and descends into a life of drug addiction delivered by his devilish drug dealer/alter ego St. Jimmy (Joshua Kobak). Will (Jake Epstein) stays behind and deals with the pressures of his girlfriend becoming pregnant, and Tunny (Scott J. Campbell) joins the Army and is shipped off to fight in Iraq. Spoken dialogue is minimal, with Johnny occasionally delivering brief journal entries, giving very basic information.
The young cast laments “Don’t want to be an American idiot/One nation controlled by the media” as they rock out in frenzy surrounded by a great wall of media monitors. The irony is palpable as the teen sitting next to me can’t seem to put her smart phone away and stop tweeting pictures of the opening number. Today’s young generation has become addicted to media, even more so, now that the social media frenzy is upon us. Bet Green Day didn’t expect that back in 2004.
While the Broadway cast album is crisp and clear and every bit of studio recorded social irreverence is heard, the live performance has some serious sound issues with lost lyrics and uneven sound levels. Some performers are muffled and others are over amplified. The band rocks onstage and at times overpowers the singers. I like the band being onstage, but the execution could be improved upon for a better balance. Musically, the most memorable moments come when a single singer, usually Johnny, simply accompanies himself on an acoustic guitar.
Green Day’s sound is all about the beat and kick ass guitar power chords, which pushes the cast into an all out frenzy of singing and synchronized mosh pit choreography. Steven Hoggett’s grunge choreography was amazing to watch, but it did pull me out of the moment, wondering how the actors didn’t get migraines with all that head banging. Maybe that’s just the generation gap talking.
Particularly impressive is the staging of “Holiday,” in which a rolling scaffolding platform and grocery cart are rolled in ingenious ways to create eye popping visuals as various cast members dance joyously around and on it with agile grace.
Like its forefather rock opera, Hair, American Idiot is a portrait of a generation, although the disaffected youth in American Idiot are a far cry from the Tribe members of Hair. But while Armstrong’s lyrics are laced with pessimism, the music is often buoyantly exuberant, which is one of the main reasons it succeeds as an amazing theatrical experience.
Did I love it? Yes, for the music, staging and being able to look back at my past pain and know that it’s truly in the past. Thanks, Green Day for creating a ground breaking CD that helped me through the roughest period of my life and a musical theater experience that helped confirm my September has finally ended.
04/28/2012 8:49 am
The Tony Award-winning musical, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is set on December 4, 1956, when an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together for an impromptu jam session at the Sun Records recording studio, owned by record producer, Sam Phillips. He was responsible for launching the careers of each icon. The resulting evening became known as one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll jam sessions in history.
This touring cast does a remarkable job bringing these music legends to life and gave me the chance to feel like I really saw Cash, Presley, Lewis and Perkins perform. Lee Ferris portrays Perkins just fine, but his guitar playing is what steals the show. That man can play. Martin Kaye personifies Jerry Lee Lewis’ incredibly athletic piano skills and vocal prowess, but the script limits the man to a buffoonish caricature, which can be true for most of the script. Make no mistake, the music is the star tonight. Derek Keeling portrays Johnny Cash with a deep bass that works perfectly in song, but is too heavy handed during dialogue. Lift the vocal tone up an octave on the words, then Keeling will be spot on with the man in black. Christopher Ryan Grant as Sam Phillips does a fine job moving the storyline along, providing most of the dramatic thrust of the show. The crowning glory of this jukebox road show is Cody Slaughter channeling the handsome young Elvis’ with jaw dropping accuracy and finesse. I could close my eyes and hear Elvis’ smooth vibrato, then open them to witness Elvis come alive on stage. It’s no wonder Slaughter was named the Presley Enterprises’ Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2011.
The show moves along at a lively pace with no intermission. It’s more music fest than meaty storyline, so if you’re in the mood for some great music and a glimpse into how rock and roll began, then get down to the Segerstrom Center, cause there’s a whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall
April 24 – May 6, 2012
Tuesdays – Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 1 and 6:30 p.m.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall
600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
Tickets: Start at $20; tickets go on sale February 26
In person – The Box Office
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
Online – SCFTA.org
Phone – (714) 556-2787
Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
04/14/2012 12:00 pm
A note from my daughter, Courtney.
When I was a little girl my grandmother, Joan McDonell, was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was too young to understand the pain, both physical and emotional that was brought into our family. I was just a little girl who loved her grandma and my memories of her will be cherished forever. Adventures to Disneyland and toy stores may seem to be a child’s favorite memories, but mine are of coming home from kindergarten to snuggle in bed with my grandma and pray the rosary together, watch countless Disney movies, and singing and dancing to Perry Como’s greatest hits. While she may not have been able to watch me grow up, she was able to peek around the door of my bedroom as I practiced and successfully tied my shoes for the first time.
In September of my senior year my best friend’s mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. The doctors said she wouldn’t make it past the holidays. On graduation day I remember walking onto the football field, and as I looked to my left I saw Karen with her family and nurses standing on the side line in the pouring rain to watch her children graduate. I was so excited to see her I ran to give her a hug. Shortly after that rainy graduation day, Karen passed away. At the time I felt so helpless, not knowing how to help my grieving friends.
Today there is actually a lot we can do to help families and friends who have experienced such a painful loss in their lives. We can help by donating our time and a bit of money to organizations such as Relay For Life. This Friday I will be walking with my Alpha Chi Omega sorority sisters of ASU’s Zeta Pi chapter in memory of my grandma Joan, Karen and all those whose lives have been touched by cancer. A young woman can pledge many things, to be loyal to a sorority, her faith, her grandmother’s memory. Please join my pledge to help beat cancer.
Relay For Life is an event put on by the American Cancer Society to celebrate all those who have suffered through this terrible disease, and to raise money for those who are still fighting. Relay is an overnight event that unites our community in a common effort to raise much-needed funds for cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient services.
Cancer has taken the life of one too many. We all know someone who has experienced the effects cancer has on a person as well as their family and friends. With your help, I hope that one day nobody has to look at cancer as a death sentence. This year Alpha Chi Omega at Arizona State hopes to raise a minimum of $22,000 for Relay For Life. Every year, the funds we raise help bring the American Cancer Society one step closer to eliminating cancer from our lives for good, but we can’t stop now. There is no finish line until there’s a cure. Any donation you are able to make will help. Just click here then click ‘Donate to our team’.
Thank you so much for taking the time to change lives.
Sincerely,
Courtney Winkler
